Apple has announced a major redesign of the Phone app during WWDC 2025, introducing a unified layoutsmarter call handling, and a more intuitive control scheme. The update is part of a broader interface refresh across core apps including Safari, Photos, Phone, and FaceTime.

Apple WWDC 2025 live: Unified layout in the Phone app

The new Phone app layout brings a cleaner, more focused experience. Key features include:

• Favorites now front and centermaking it quicker to call frequent contacts

• Recents displayed in a single scrollable list for improved convenience

• Contacts and keypad now docked at the bottom of the screen, just a tap away

• Voicemail summaries that highlight the most important details of messages at a glance

Users can choose to enable or opt out of the new unified layout, allowing for personalized preferences without compromising familiarity.

Apple WWDC 2025 live: smarter call screening for unknown numbers

A standout new feature is Call Screeningdesigned to help users manage spam or unknown calls more intelligently. When a call comes in from an unknown number:

• The phone automatically answers the call

• The caller is prompted to share their name and reason

• The recipient receives a summary of the message and can choose to pick up or ignore

This feature aims to reduce interruptions from robocalls and unknown numbers, while still giving users the opportunity to respond if needed.

The Phone app update is part of Apple’s larger focus on making everyday interactions faster, smarter, and more user-controlledaligning with the refreshed design direction introduced under iOS 26 and the Liquid Glass interface.